The People in the Picture, starring Donna Murphy, is a new addition to the 2010-11 Broadway season

The latest entry into the next season on Broadway is that of The People in the Picture, a brand new musical, which will make its world premiere at The American Airlines Theatre this spring without any sort out-of-town tryout. But unlike Women on the Verge, the other new musical to open sans-tryout this season, The People in the Picture is not based on well-known source material.

With a story and lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart (who wrote the screenplay for the feature film Beeches) and music by Mike Stoller (Smokey Joe’s Cafe) and Artie Butler, the show’s press release describes the show thus:

Once the darling of the Yiddish Theatre in pre-war Poland, now a grandmother in New York City, Bubbie has had quite a life. But what will it all mean if she can’t pass on her stories to the next generation? Though her granddaughter is enchanted by her tales, her daughter Red will do anything to keep from looking back. A fiercely funny and deeply moving new musical that spans three generations, THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE celebrates the importance of learning from our past, and the power of laughter.

It will star Donna Murphy (Passion, The King and I), who will play two generations of women, and be directed by Leonard Foglia. Other casting has not yet been announced.

I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of another original musical that premiered on Broadway, and am having quite a hard time coming up with anything. There have been plenty of shows that have gone straight to Broadway, but most have been based on a book, play or movie, and plenty of original musicals have hit the Great White Way, but most have premiered Off-Broadway, on the West End, at a festival or out of town. Can you think of anything? I know this isn’t the first…

3 Comments on The People in the Picture, starring Donna Murphy, is a new addition to the 2010-11 Broadway season

I saw the show in previews. It was very moving. The music went into my bones. Donna Murphy was as is always MAGNIFICENT, The entire cast we great. The bright light was JEFFREY SCHECTER. I have seen him in all of his Broadway shows. He ALWAYS brightens every show. I even traveled to San Diego and saw him do one of the BEST if not THE BEST shows, Robin and the Seven Hoods. I can’t wait to see him in that show on Broadway. KUDOS to the entire cast and orchestra and writers.

We saw the preview last Saturday. My wife was very moved by it. I was bored. As my wife said, it might help if you’re Jewish. It was well done – professional production, good acting, nice (but not great) music, but it was a little too saccharin for me.